Saudi National Kidnapped in Istanbul

A night view of Istanbul, Turkey. (Reuters)
A night view of Istanbul, Turkey. (Reuters)
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Saudi National Kidnapped in Istanbul

A night view of Istanbul, Turkey. (Reuters)
A night view of Istanbul, Turkey. (Reuters)

A Saudi woman was kidnapped in the Turkish city of Istanbul.

Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Abir was abducted near a hotel located in the Asian part of the city where she was staying with her family.

The victim was in Istanbul with her husband and family on vacation.

No contact has been possible with her after she disappeared. Neither the consulate nor police have been able to find out her whereabouts. They are working tirelessly to locate her.

Her husband appealed through Asharq Al-Awsat for authorities to find his wife.

According to surveillance cameras in the area, an individual carrying a small package sprayed a substance on the tourist, causing her to lose consciousness. He then abducted her, said the sources.

The development took place just days after two Saudi brothers were victims of armed robbery.

One of the brothers was shot during the attack and the assailants made away with their luggage.



Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.